Distance sensing apparatus
First Claim
1. An apparatus for measuring distances in air, comprising transmitter means to transmit at least one ultrasonic or sonic signal, echo detecting means to detect receipt of an echo of said signal, time sensing means which generates a numerical value proportional to time from transmission to return of an echo, and display means to display a digital distance measurement derived from said numerical value and which is a measure of distance to the target returning the echo, the improvement comprising ability to detect any one of at least two echoes returning in succession from different distances and within a range, and for any one of said echoes to generate a said numerical value and display a said digital distance measurement obtained therefrom, irrespective of the distances within said range from which the echoes return, means for regularly and automatically repeating the transmitted signal at sufficient delay for return of an echo from a maximum range, control means selectively operable to choose between said echoes returning in succession and to cause said time sensing means and display means respectively to generate a said numerical value and display a said digital distance measurement obtained therefrom, said control means being user operable to choose any one of said echoes, irrespective of the distances within said range from which the echoes return.
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Abstract
Apparatus for sensing distances in air by transmitting an ultrasonic pulse and measuring the time for return of an echo from a target object is characterized by ability to measure distances to multiple target objects. Preferably the apparatus defaults by displaying the distance to the nearest target but is provided with a push button which when pressed once causes display of the distance to the next target further away, when pressed again causes display of distance to a target after that and so forth. This novel function may be accomplished by discrete logic components or using a microprocessor.
68 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for measuring distances in air, comprising transmitter means to transmit at least one ultrasonic or sonic signal, echo detecting means to detect receipt of an echo of said signal, time sensing means which generates a numerical value proportional to time from transmission to return of an echo, and display means to display a digital distance measurement derived from said numerical value and which is a measure of distance to the target returning the echo, the improvement comprising ability to detect any one of at least two echoes returning in succession from different distances and within a range, and for any one of said echoes to generate a said numerical value and display a said digital distance measurement obtained therefrom, irrespective of the distances within said range from which the echoes return, means for regularly and automatically repeating the transmitted signal at sufficient delay for return of an echo from a maximum range, control means selectively operable to choose between said echoes returning in succession and to cause said time sensing means and display means respectively to generate a said numerical value and display a said digital distance measurement obtained therefrom, said control means being user operable to choose any one of said echoes, irrespective of the distances within said range from which the echoes return.
- 2. An apparatus for measuring distances in air, comprising transmitter means to transmit at least one ultrasonic or sonic signal, echo detecting means to detect receipt of an echo of said signal, time sensing means which generates a numerical value proportional to time from transmission to return of an echo, and display means to display a digital distance measurement derived from said numerical value and which is a measure of distance to the target returning the echo, the improvement comprising ability to detect any one of at least two echoes returning in succession from different distances and within a range, and for any one of said echoes to generate a said numerical value and display a said digital distance measurement obtained therefrom, irrespective of the distances within said range from which the echoes return, and control means selectively operable to choose between said echoes returning in succession and to cause said time sensing means and display means respectively to generate a said numerical value and display a said numerical distance measurement obtained therefrom, said control means being user operable to choose any one of said echoes, irrespective of the distances within said range from which the echoes return.
Specification